It took me a while to understand the eclectic mix of people that live on this funny little island. Ibiza is has huge source of employment but is also a haven for those after a life in the sun, giving it a very diverse population. The cultural mix of different nationalities from different backgrounds is very unique; unlike anywhere else in Spain. I have finally pieced together who really lives in Ibiza and have divided them in to the following groups:
1. Los Payeses
These are effectively the indigenous inhabitants of the island; the ones who were here first. Payés families are ancestors of the ‘peasant farmers’ who peacefully lived off the land before all the madness started. Payeses religiously speak the islands dialect Ibicenco and traditionally live in white, one-story houses in the countryside. They are tremendously proud of their cultural heritage and it wasn’t difficult to learn about traditional recipes and customs, which are practiced to this day. Any local fiesta on the island includes eating the islands authentic treats while watching the unique, but rather odd, folk dance baile payés, performed in traditional costumes. Despite now being the minority and keeping to themselves, Payeses still have a strong presence on the island.
2. Los Españoles
The second group are all the Spaniards from the peninsular that have moved to Ibiza to work. In the 1970s the tourist boom hit, creating mass employment for the whole of Spain and attracting many to start a life on the island. Now, many local families have roots in other regions, particularly the South (where there has always been a shortage of work.) I have heard many stories about peoples’ parents coming to the island with ‘nothing but the clothes on their back’ and then working day and night to make a living. They then have children who, as regional differences are so strong in Spain, associate themselves with other areas. For example (as I have mentioned in other posts), both my flatmates were born and raised in Ibiza but, because of their parents, have strong Andalusian roots. Similar backgrounds are true for many young people here who are effectively from Ibiza but have a very different identity to the islands authentic payeses.
3. The Expats
Ibiza is a hotspot for foreigners, particularly those wanting to ‘get away’ or ‘start afresh’ on this paradise island. Even throughout the winter months it was common to hear English, Dutch German and French voices wherever you went; even at the most authentic local festivals. Many expats build luxurious houses in the mountains or live in Santa Gertrudis, a town to the East of the island well known for its smart, English community. And it’s not just retirees, lots of these expats start up their own businesses on the island; organic produce, yoga retreats, there’s a big market for it. Moreover, many bring families up in Ibiza. Some put their children in to local schools but the rest get sent to the very prestigious and exclusive Morna international school, which even has its own school uniform. I don’t want to generalise but these guys come from big (and normally new) money and I have heard through various sources that they are pretty pretentious lot. Although I love the quality of living in Ibiza, it’s a funny idea to think of being brought up there as an expat kid.
So there you have it; the people of Ibiza categorised in to three main groups. Of course, not everyone fits in to one of these categories, (including myself, the gypsys and the Morrocans who I have not mentioned.) There’s also a whole other community who only live in Ibiza during the summer months. But looking at the population through these different sections gives an idea of the islands’ dynamics. It certainly is a very funny mix. The best part is that although each group is distinctly different, everyone lives together and gets along just fine, (most of the time) sharing their love and appreciation for this special island.
La Buena Vida 